The role: Communications Manager, Android

As a member of the Communications team based at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California you will work cross functionally to: (1) help communicate Android product and partner messaging; (2) create specific campaigns that target consumer and developer audiences; (3) establish solid contacts with journalists and industry partners, and develop print and web-based materials targeted at a range of different audiences; and (4) quickly respond to global industry trends or issues in the mobile space. You are a very strong writer who can process complex issues – through blog posts, FAQs, video scripts and more – and explain them in clear language internally and externally.

Responsibilities:

• Represent Google as a company spokesperson for a wide variety of media and blogger inquiries.
• Develop close, productive relationships with journalists, bloggers, product reviewers and our key partners in the mobile industry. Proactively reach out to media to promote Android and explain our approach.
• Collaborate with Google engineering, product, and marketing teams to create compelling communications strategies that illustrate the functionality and key benefits of Android’s open platform and product innovations.
• Develop written materials, including story pitches, messaging guidelines, press releases, Q&As, presentations and speeches.
• Train and provide advice to company officials for press conferences, media interviews and trade presentations.

Working for Google, currently ranked #4 in the Forbes 2010 top 100 companies, at Googleplex. The job, would be a dream for some. If who they’re looking for could be you, head over to CrunchBoard and apply. Then take a look at this.

[Source AndroidandMe, CrunchBoard]

For full support of Cyanogen ROMs and updates, don’t forget to also check out the CyanogenMOD official site.

I don’t know where to start with all of the changes that are included in this new version so I am going to simply post the change log.

Remember that this ROM is for the Nexus One.

Changelog

* New Apps2SD method built into the framework. See the wiki for instructions! HUGE HUGE      thanks to Chris Soyars for coding the bulk of this, and Wysie for getting our asses moving on it.
* Launcher2 tweaked to honor fling velocity – code by Mohd Faruq (http://github.com/ruqqq) –  check out more in HelixLauncher on the market
* MMS enhancements originally by rgv151, ported to Eclair by Mohd Faruq, ChainsDD, Wes  Garner, and myself
* New V8 JavaScript engine – patch from Qualcomm/CodeAurora
* Added kernel network bridging and brctl
* Updated N1 RIL to EPE54B’s version, and included AT&T acdb file
* Kernel updated to 2.6.33.1 plus many patches from Google
* Orientation mode is fully controllable from the settings app now, and 360-degree rotation  patch updated from Optedoblivion and Elanthis
* Trackball wake & music skip + volume button long-press track changing from metalhead8816  (Jon Boekenoogen)
* Lots of work on the build system by Koush and Chris Soyars
* Browser enhancements from Wysie – hide zoom controls and fullscreen mode (http://github.com/Wysie)
* Tweaked the light sensor
* Kernel is slightly undervolted. The voltages match what are being used by Qualcomm.
* Scripting fixes from Stefan Tomanek (http://github.com/wetarbyte)
* Nexus Live Wallpaper includes dark background and new color schemes – “Dust” is the new  default – work on this done mostly Chris Soyars and tweaked by me. Check out his “NexusMod” version on the Market too.
* Battery percentage shown on the status bar – toggle the option in Spare Parts – patch from  canadiancow (will take a battery status change for it to update after switching the toggle)
* Included rsync (thanks to Dylex for the Android port), iwconfig, and iwlist
* Updated German translations from Matthias Büchner (http://github.com/thiasB)
* Many patches and fixes from AOSP and contributors (http://r.android.com)
* RenderScript is somewhat faster – now built in ARM mode (the VFP is not used fully in thumb  mode) and supports reuse of allocations (from CodeAurora)
* lights.mahimahi.so and sensors.mahimahi.so built from Google source
* Latest e2fsprogs (1.41.10)
* Added redirect-gateway option for OpenVPN
* Lock screen volume swipe selects vibrate mode if you have it enabled in settings
* Tweaked animation speeds (Wes Garner)
* Fixed issue with clicking links in certain webviews (HTML email in particular)

Head over to Cyanogen’s AndroidSPIN Developer Homepage for more information and downloads.

I’m flashing now!  Stay tuned for updates and let us know how it goes for you.

John Walton over at DroidDog is one lucky man.  Arriving at his door was the FedEx man with a nice package containing a Sony Ericsson X10 review unit.

First thing he did was pull out his video camera and start recording his first experiences with the the sleek new device.

Still based on  Android 1.6, the Sony Ericsson X10 is behind in the OS front but the additional interface enhancements Sony Ericsson have added kinda make up for the OS downfalls.  Still, there are rumors that the Android version will be updated by Sony Ericsson eventually.

First looks are real nice.  With a custom Blue theme, the screen appears to pop and the bright display just helps to enhance the experience.

Check out the video below and be sure to head to over to John post and give some love.

Source: DroidDog

So the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. Lucky for us more than just rain will be dropping next month. Currently offering LG InTouch Max and the Samsung Galaxy, Virgin Mobile UK is adding the much desired HTC Desire and Sony Ecrisson Xperia X10 featuring Timescape and Mediascape applications. From the press release:

Virgin Media first introduced its customers to the world of Android by launching the popular LG InTouch Max. Just out on Virgin Media is the hot new Samsung Galaxy Portal on a range of exceptionally compelling tariffs. In the coming weeks, the sleek and high-spec HTC Desire will also join the Virgin Media network as well as Sony Ericsson’s flagship Android handset, the Xperia X10.

With these new high-end data-enabled smartphones, Virgin Media customers will now be able to enjoy some of the best of the mobile web, all neatly brought together by Google’s Android operating system. From Twitter to navigation, music to mobile video, there’s an Android handset for every taste on Virgin Media this spring, with extra special benefits for existing customers of Virgin Media’s home services.

If Timescape and Mediascape new to you, they are proprietary applications that work to blend multiple applications into a single app. In the case of Timescape, it’s about blending your mobile and social communications into one with rich graphics. You can see all your Facebook updates, emails you have received and text messages you have received in one place and in order. Mediascape combines photos and videos.  If you want to learn more, check out the demo below:

[Source Phandroid, Virgin Media]

MoDaCo has released another version of the Desire Custom ROM for the HTC/Google Nexus One.  Alpha 17 is the latest release and is now built from the official Desire ROM.

Known Issues

• Bluetooth does not work reliably
• FM Radio finds stations but does not produce any sound
• Footprints camera view is rotated 90 degrees

Changelog

Alpha 17

• This update is based on 1.15.405.3, which is the Desire shipping ROM
• Completely rebuilt everything from the ground up – please report any issues not shown in the ‘known issues’ above
• Reverted HTC IME to stock version
• Prebaked download is now available with or without MoDaCo additions

Alpha 16

• Reworked Camera application modifications from scratch – pictures should now be better quality and the flash will now fire as accurately as on a real Desire
• Fixed HTC Footprints
• Updated Google Maps to 4.1

Head over to MoDaCo’s AndroidSPIN Developer Homepage for more information and downloads.

Hero_Over has released an modified CyanogenMOD with his his tweaks and optimizations for your HTC / Google Nexus One.  The last update was 3/13/2010.  You can now get a high speed direct download directly from AndroidSPIN.

BakedGoods 1.1:
-added trackball succession (never miss a notification again)
-created script to replace modded launcher 2 with stock (type su in terminal and then type idontlikeit.sh) (ignore error and press home)
-added some apns (if you want your apn in there send me a pm request)
-click trackball to unlock phone (thanks metalhead) (go to settings>sound&display to enable
-click trackball to skip song (metalhead)
-battery meter now shows estimated percentage w/o draining battery
-removed some wallpapers and tones for space
-added updated spareparts
-added wireless tether for root users
-went back to stock browser icon
-rotate on stock launcher
-stock launcher will fc when missing wallpaper is chosen (fix will be in next release)
-more i must be forgetting

Head over to Hero_Over’s AndroidSPIN Developer Homepage for more information and downloads.

There was a small issue with setting up the Google mail account on this ROM, but with an install of the previous version of FastTest, run the initial setup and then install this new version without a wipe then it will work a charm. And once it you’ve got past this it works a charm

This ROM was given an overall score of 4.5/5. Read the full review here to see why in more detail.

Some of the new additions to the project include 3D support (with full GPU acceleration), a brand new kernel designed by WesGarner which helps the build achieve ”donut level speeds”, and a completely revamped MMS app.

Take a look at the pre-release changelog provided by Wes (below), and start getting excited for the imminent release of a public beta and a new official “stable” release.

Here is a small selection of things that are going to be included in OE 2.0:

* As few of bugs as I can get rid of
* A brand new WG-Kernel to support Eclair in its finest – boosting speeds to a Donut level
* Full 3D Support at great speeds
* Swappiness Available in SpareParts
* A revamped MMS application with complete customization that you get out of the 3rd part ones
(such as LED colors, Vibrate patterns, Background changing, Useragent Options)
* Fully working LWPs of all types with great speed and options on all of them (including all of the music visualizations and Nexus LWP with many nice themes including one of my own)
* JIT Availability
* 360 degree rotation as an option to let you text/tweet/e-mail upside down!
(all the while optimizing the speed of regular roation)
* A completely brand new A2SD by Chris that is built great to give you complete control on what should be installed where
* Revamped Settings
* Complete OpenVPN
* 100% working BT, WiFi, Sync, FB Sync, etc etc etc
* Added Vibrate Mode into the poweroff menu (where silent mode, airplane mode, etc will be)

A whole new experience in speed to give a G1/MT3G a new life with unsurpassed speed from any Eclair ROM

Current Wish list:
* Phone autorenice available to make your calls come in quickly
* Full Video support not only in YouTube but also with a Camcorder
* Reboot into Recovery option
* A perfect Launcher2 with all of the special effects and multi-orientation

Finally, I want this build to be as perfect as I can make it before it’s released
Even if I can’t get a release out by this weekend, it will be worth the wait

For news and release information about the latest OpenEclair versions, head over to the OpenEclair forums or load the OpenTeam AndroidSPIN Developers Homepage.

What would you like to see in the new version?

Let your customers know we are actively working on having the Android 2.1 platform available to our Hero and Moment customers over the coming weeks. Look for more information coming in April about Android 2.1 platform for Hero and Moment.Internal Sprint Memo

The memo concludes by reminding Sprint employees that their customers use superior Android handsets and that About.com readers nominated the HTC Hero as their favorite smartphone in their 2010 Reader Choice Awards.

So, “over the coming weeks” and “information coming in April” aren’t exactly the words that Sprint customers want to hear, but some information is better than none, right? Granted, this is just a rumor from a Sprint employee, so take it with a grain of salt, a shaker, or none.

Source: AndroidandMe

Just a few days ago I reviewed AppBrain, an application/online market/app sync tool.  Overall, I found it an easy and very useful program to have, though there was room for improvement.  AppBrain went to class and became a little smarter.  Searches now filter out spam apps, these results are now just shown as light grey lines. If you’re interested in them, you can still click them to get the full search result.

Hurray, no more spam, but how did they do it?

We calculated statistics on all developers in the AppBrain database, which covers all apps that are available in the US. In total there were 28,936 apps created by 7,429 developers. Even though the average number of apps per developer was just 3.9, there were 32 developers who launched more than 100 apps in the Android Market.

After some experimentation we let both the fraction of bad apps and the fraction of very unpopular apps determine whether a developer is regarded as spamming the market. The 359 developers that were marked as spammers published over 10,000 apps. There are almost no good apps among those 10K, this means that the overall percentage of very good apps is bumped up from nearly 14% of all apps to well over 20% in our non-filtered set.

I was pretty much sold on the benefits of AppBrain, and now with spam filtering, looking for that app I want will be a bit easier. It will be interesting to see what AppBrain learns next. You can read the whole breakdown on the filtering process on their blog.

[Source AppBrain]

The Nexus One is really a beautiful handset. The phone so far seems to be a hot selling point for the current companies involved in selling the phone. The first US carrier to announce the Nexus One was the T-Mobile, and now the Nexus One is also compatible with AT&T (and the Rogers) networks. Soon, it will be available on Verizon. Now we have Sprint joining in on the Nexus One party. The rumor was confirmed true today when Sprint officially announced that “Google would launch a version of the Nexus One Android 2.1 smartphone compatible with its 3G Mobile Broadband Network”. So this will mean that the Google Nexus One will be available soon on all 4 Major US carriers. What does that mean to you? Well you don’t need to change your carrier to be a lucky owner of the Nexus One. The only bad news is that Sprint didn’t tell us when the handset will be available for sale. Regardless, the Nexus is still coming to Sprint, so get excited to get your hands on this hot piece of equipment.

Source: Unwired View

“We’ve Always Been Shameless About Stealing Great Ideas” –Steve Jobs

It was inevitable that the competition would catch-up to Apple’s iPhone, and its App Store eventually. My guess is that in the near future we will see an Android based equivalent to iTunes either built by, or endorsed by Google that will sync media from desktop or possibly the cloud to your hand held device. Think of Double Twist which exists already but it’s not endorsed by Google, and not yet widely adopted.

With the recent competition that Google has bestowed upon Apple’s handset business model by offering its own handset, and the industry’s rapid adoption of the Android operating system it was expected that Apple would respond quickly in order to protect its market share; but with a patent infringement lawsuit?

I understand that the lawsuit against HTC is a business strategy to block competition but at the same time, it is extremely hypocritical. A prime example is the graphical user interface (GUI) that Apple took from Xerox (ever watch Pirates of Silicon Valley?) and used as the basis of its personal computing business. The GUI put the company on the map and sold millions of Apple computers and now that someone uses what Apple perceives to be their intellectual property they turn around and file a lawsuit? Here is a company that had a complete disregard for patent law when it took the GUI from Xerox, yet now they turn to those same laws for protection to protect what they perceives to be theirs?

To me, it’s similar to the infamous conversation said to have happened between Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) and Bill Gates (former Microsoft CEO). After Apple released the original GUI Microsoft developed its own take on the GUI and was ready to introduce as Windows. Steve Jobs approached Bill Gates and said “You stole the windows idea from Apple. If you release Windows, we will sue” to which Bill Gates promptly replied “You stole the idea from Xerox, I’m simply using the idea that you stole from Xerox”. See the hypocrisy?

This is not to imply that Apple does not have a valid claim against HTC according to patent law, but don’t change your company’s ideals to protect your market share and hope to have the continued endorsement of the community that you created. Hello Apple, your community became your community because of your ideals.

On the other hand, we have the Android community to look to. A community that was created by innovation, transparency, and openness by Google. Google has shifted control away from the handset manufacturers and carriers and put the control into the hands of the consumer with the introduction of the Nexus One. You could say that the Nexus One is more than just a name for a handset, but the name for a business strategy that may just change the entire way the cell phone industry operates today. Now that’s huge.

Oh, did I mention that it’s said that Apple Headquarters used to fly a pirate flag in front of its building? Now that was money!

That was also a long time ago.

Update – It was just reported that Apple plans on coming out with “walkie talkie” functionality for the IPhone. Oh Sprint/Nextel, round up your lawyers. Hypocrisy!

Finally, the much anticipated Slingplayer application is coming to the Android platform this summer.  For those of you who have not heard of the Slingplayer, it is a device that connects to your cable/satellite receiver and redirects the signal over the internet and delivers it directly to your mobile phone or desktop computer. This technology has been around for a couple of years and was released about 9 months ago on the iPhone.  It works well and you can even watch your on-demand channels.  It’s as if you were sitting in front of your TV.

Slingplayer works on both wifi and 3G.  The slingbox will run you around $200-250 depending on whether or not you want it in HD. There are no costs associated with redirecting the signal.  Just the cost of the slingbox, your cable/satellite provider charges, and the cost to purchase the Android application.

Source Engadget

Android TV could possibly be here in the near future, thanks to Google, Intel and Sony. It appears that the three are in the early stages of designing set-top boxes and Internet-ready TV’s.   As we all know, Google does not comment on any type of rumors.  However, the claims are supported by a variety of positions recently opening at both Intel and Sony. Intel, for example, is looking for a Senior Application Engineer who can “extend Intel IA computing power and IA ecosystem from PC screen to mobile screen and TV screen.”  Furthermore, Logitech has reportedly been asked to create a keyboard and other accessories.

Hopefully, Google’s IO developer conference in May will hopefully shed more light on these developments. It is interesting to note that that Apple already has a set-top box product called “AppleTV” that never really took off.  Perhaps this is Google’s way of saying ” We will crush you.” Let’s just hope Apple doesn’t get their feelings hurt and pursue a lawsuit to try and save face.  In the meantime, we can all look forward to the next Android experience.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Some of the key features include finding rental/lease homes in your area, as well homes for sale, and much more.

Zillow for Android uses your GPS to determine your location in order to find homes within your location and surrounding areas. This app is also compatible with Google Voice Search, and is capable of pulling information such as photos, contact information, and more right on your handset. Zillow is built on top of Google Maps, which many of you are very familiar with. We hope you many of you find this application useful.

Have you used this application? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Source: IntoMobile

Ah 2.1, the gift Droid owners have been anxiously waiting for, only to disapear with a card saying better luck next time in it’s stead. The soul crushing disappointment you must be feeling. So why the delays? It’s not entirely clear yet, though some are speculating Motorola is still trying to figure out how to do updates.  Another possible scenario is that a bug is causing the delay issue, which could very well be the case given Droid’s sibling Cliq had a tendency to brick with it’s first update.

Still, Verizon seems happy with how the update, or lack thereof, went according to spokesperson Thomas Pica:

The Android 2.1 upgrade for the Droid by Motorola was deployed to a small number of Verizon Wireless test users as scheduled. It is expected the broader phased rollout to all Droid by Motorola users will take place, but not just yet. No date scheduled yet.

So it’s a waiting game. At least you’re waiting with 2.0, unlike the majority of us.

[Source Android Headlines, SlashPhone,  PhoneScoop]

Folks! Remember the HTC Supersonic? The First smartphone that comes with 4Gconnectivity, and it is powered by Android OS. As many of you know, Sprint has been working hard to boost their 4G network from a long time. Lets talk about the Supersonic. The first screen-shot of the Supersonic hit the web in the last week of January. Also Sprint announced that they will launch their first WiMax handset this Summer. The Supersonic also appeared in a Video a week ago, and now I believe the Supersonic will soon be launched. The rumor is on the road that Sprint will launch the Supersonic during the International CTIA Wireless Show on Thursday under control of Chief Executive Dan Hesse. You may have seen as well the HTC Supersonic appears in Sprint inventory.  Below you can view the specs of the Supersonic.

• 4.3-inch Touchscreen
• 1 GHz Snapdragon
• Resolution of 480×800
• HTC Sense UI
• 3.5 mm Audio Jack
• 5 MP Camera
• Bluetooth 2.1
• WiMax connectivity
• GPS
• GPRS/Edge

Source: AndroidComminity

Remember the HTC Incredible? HTC Incredible is the latest handset and it will be available soon on Verizon Wireless. The first pictures of the Incredible hit the web in the first week of February. Then we saw it rolling into Verizon’s inventory list. Two days later it appeared in a video running on the Verizon network. Soon after, another wave of HTC Incredible pictures hit the web. Then came the rumor that the Incredible will replace the Droid Eris on April 1st. A week ago, even more shots of HTC Incredible appeared, most interestingly with what some might call distinct Verizon branding. It is only natural that the hot topic on the web now is the Incredible’s anticipated debut on Verizon Wireless some time in the upcoming 2 weeks, given that there are only two weeks left till the end of March. Let’s just hope this whole thing is not some sort of bad April fool’s joke. With the Incredible rumor mill -forgive the play on words here- running hot and the Nexus One also slated for release on Verizon, what are your thoughts? Are you rooting for the “seasoned” contender, the Nexus One, or the newcomer, the HTC Incredible? Maybe even for a different phone all together? Share your thoughts on the matter!

Source: Engadget

Introducing Google Buzz widget for Android

Since we launched Google Buzz for mobile, we’ve been working on ways to make it quicker and easier to share your thoughts and experiences while you’re out and about.
Today, we’re excited to release a Google Buzz widget for Android phones that lets you post text and photos with a single tap. Like other mobile access points for Google Buzz, the widget lets you choose to tag your post with the location or place from which it was posted. You can post buzz about a great meal you had and share photos of the new restaurant. To save time, your posts will upload in the background, letting you get back to your scrumptious dessert without a wait.

The widget is initially available in English for Android phones running v1.6 and later. Search for ‘Google Buzz’ in the Android Market to download it now. Once installed, you can add it to your home screen: tap “Menu” while on the home screen and select “Add > Widgets > Google Buzz”.

We plan to add support for other languages soon. Visit our Help Center to learn more, ask questions in our Help Forum, or give us suggestions and vote on other people’s on the Mobile Product Ideas page.

Posted by Zak Cohen, Software Engineer, Google Mobile
Source: Introducing Google Buzz widget for Android

Orkut for Android — live folders, photo upload and more!

Orkut friends live folders
Simply add the list of your orkut friends as a live folder on your home screen, and you’ll be able to browse through your friends list even when not under data network coverage. The live folder also lets you communicate (via call, scrap or SMS) with your friends in a single click. To install a live folder, click “Menu > Add > Folders > Orkut” on your Android device’s homescreen after installing the orkut for Android application.

Photo uploads to your orkut albums
Gone are the days when you needed to download photos from your Android phone to your computer and then upload them to your orkut albums. Now you can simply upload photos from your Android Photo Gallery. Just click “Menu > Share > Orkut” while browsing your photos in the Android Photo Gallery to get started.

Although the resemblance is clear, other similar requests have been know to be accepted, but the whole issue here is that both trademarks are used in the same business market, the telecoms.

Google can buy the trademark from Integra or it can arrange an agreement to use it without buying it. Either one of those or, a higly unlikely solution, change the name of the device.

There is one slight difference,  the existing registration is related to the oil industry so this may be enough for Google to squeeze an appeal through the system.

For now, that little “TM” above the Nexus One is an issue that Google has to solve.

[Source Laptop Magazine]

Making sense of a fast paced and changing world is difficult under the best of circumstances, but when you’re on the go, it’s even harder. With the new Google Maps for mobile 4.1, we’re introducing a few features that make sorting through search results or quickly seeing Maps info a bit easier.

Updated search results page
With the newly reimagined Google Maps for mobile search results page, we’ve done away with the tabs to give you all the info you want on one page. Tap the new buttons to see the place on the map, get directions, call it, or see it with Street View. The extra space let us bring details and reviews right up front.

Swipe for more results
Take a look at the new page, and you can quickly see that Milk Pail Market specializes in cheese, has mostly 4 and 5 star ratings, and also sells fresh vegetables. You can select any section to see more reviews, buzz, etc. If you want to get to more search results without going back to the list, simply grab the page with your finger and swipe it away to the left or right to see the next or last result.

Latitude widget and Maps live wallpaper
Once you’ve updated to Maps 4.1, you’ll also have a couple different ways to put Maps up close and personal on your phone. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could quickly find your nearest friends or glance at the traffic conditions around you without opening Maps? Add the Latitude widget to a home screen panel to see your nearest Latitude friends by pressing the “Menu” button from the home screen and selecting Add > Widgets > Latitude. On Android 2.1+ phones, you can also turn your home screen into one big, updating map using the Maps live wallpaper. Press the “Menu” button from your home screen and select Wallpaper > Live wallpapers > Maps. Now you can see nearby friends or a map each time you open your home screen.

Switch Google Accounts
We’ve been adding more and more features that sync with your Google Account whether you’re on your phone or your computer. If you’re managing multiple identities, Maps now lets you switch the Google Account it uses between the accounts you’ve synced to your Android-powered phone. From the Maps menu, select More > Switch Account to sign out of your current account and sign in to a different one. Features like Google Buzz, Latitude, Starred items, My Maps, and more can then begin using whichever account you’ve chosen.

Get these new features at your fingertips by searching for “Google Maps” in Android Market from Android 1.6+ phones. Update Maps to version 4.1, available in all the countries and languages where Maps is currently available. Visit our Help Center to learn more, ask questions in our Help Forum, or give us suggestions and vote on other people’s on the Mobile Product Ideas page.

Posted by Chiu-Ki Chan and Andrew Oplinger, Software Engineers, Google Mobile

Source: Official Google Mobile Blog

Taker a close look at the screen shot below… No… Closer….Yes, it does say 4G.

Our friendly develop community is working hard to jump on board this new found 4G signal (or whatever they are calling the technology they are testing) and get us all connected at blazing fast speeds before anything has been officially announced.

Let’s hope the superstar developers around can get this out to the masses before any of the affected carriers get a wind of it…..SShhhhhh everyone.

Now we just need to get some explanation of exactly what this is and when they think we can have it cos I sure do want my phones blazing at 4G speeds.

Another cradle makes our featured product list as a top seller in the AndroidSPIN store with excellent user ratings, this desktop cradle does everything you need for the bargain price of $24.95.

The Seidio Desktop Cradle keeps your phone charged and ready to go. It syncs and charges the Motorola Droid in Multimedia Mode and is compatible with Seidio’s line of Innocases.

Features:

• Convenient Desktop Charging Cradle
• Syncs and charges the Motorola Droid horizontally for easy viewing in Multimedia Mode
• Features the same soft touch coating found on Seidio’s Innocases
• Discreet power LED on the front of the cradle
• Removable plate for docking your phone with or without Innocase
• Compatible with Seidio’s Innocases and Innocell Extended Batteries
• Charge using your existing OEM Cable

Head over to the AndroidSPIN store for more information.

This is a question that some of us may ask ourselves when we start to use our new Android based phone. More specifically, why is my new phone running an operating system that is a year or more old and does not have the latest functionality and in more recent cases, why can’t I install certain applications?

So here’s my take, and opinions on what happens, how we should deal with it broken down into components:

Multiple handsets, multiple manufacturers – Google provides a working operating system. The device manufacturer has to configure the operating system to work with each handset. This is time consuming. I am told that the process takes 3 to 4 months for each new OS version. At the rate at which Google releases updates, the cost/benefit of continuously updating mature handsets with new software does not divvy up.

Competing product offerings by the same manufacturer – Let’s face it. When it comes to electronics or more broadly technology, most people want the latest and greatest. If the Mytouch did everything that the Nexus One does (except for clocking at faster speeds), then what incentive would most people have to buy the Nexus One over the Mytouch? Remember the iPhone 3G’s launch was a non-event for this reason. Handset makers are reluctant to update operating systems to avoid cheaper, older handsets competing with latest and greatest handsets.

Over the airwaves (OTA) update deployments – Currently, the only way for users to update their operating system (unless your phone is rooted) – is for the carrier to push the new operating system to you over the airwaves. There is not much incentive for the carriers to do this and it costs time, resources, and money to deploy updates and they get nothing in return. Remember, phones will work even without the latest and greatest OS. Not to mention, customers are tied to their carrier through contracts for subsidized phones that can only be broken if customers are willing to incur the hefty early termination fees.

With all this being said, I think the way to solve this problem is as follows:

Google needs to deploy an operating system update mechanism easily accessible and easy to use by most people like the update functionality in iTunes and insist that hardware manufacturers turn over their driver information (code that allows the hardware to talk to the operating system and visa versa) so that third party developers could create fully functional versions of the latest operating systems for all android based devices. I mean the operating system is open source but the handset is not?

We need free access to driver information and technology in order for us to truly own our handsets and do what we want with them. The Android operating system was the big win for us free society consumers but not a complete solution to use our handset as we’d like to, when we’d like to.

Accces to driver information and an easy to use update mechanism would:

• keep existing carrier customers happy that they have the latest functionality on their handset,
• keep existing handset owners happy with the Android platform and continue to embrace it the long run,
• help to maintain handset brand loyalty as the handset owners experience would remain positive over the life of the device

In addition, the update as you like approch is consistent with Android’s primary competitor Apple which, so far, allows all current and past handsets to be updated with the latest OS releases.

Us Android based handset owners have an effective relationship with our operating system provider. We now need to establish (demand really) a similar relationship with our handset manufacturer in order for us to be in total control of our devices. I think the way to achieve this relationship is for consumers to become educated and buy only handsets like the Nexus One, that are truly open (don’t forget bootloader/carrier unlocked).

Google is not going to advertise or speak openly about this subject because it sours (ruins) their relationship with handset manufacturers which right now is their primary distribution source. It is up to us, the Android community, to actively promote handsets like the Nexus One and to educate handset owners who own “closed” handsets to convert to open handsets and refuse to buy closed handsets in the future.

If we, the Android community, can create this open handset movement and it creates a consumer shift to open handsets we, as the consumers, are in control and we as the handset owner wins. Game over get out of my office wins!

HTCClay has released an update to his Htcclay FastTest ROM taking it to version 3.0.3

Sorry…. No change log yet…

Come on dude! Do your Change logs before you release!

We do know that it has the awesome new launcher included, but that’s all for now.

Head over to HTCClay’s AndroidSPIN Developer Homepage for more information and downloads.

For aditional support and to talk with the author, head over to HTCClay’s Forum.

We just received an anonymous tip informing us some of the carriers have been testing 3G/4G connectivity using existing cell phones that we already own.  Apparently the carriers have piggy backed a different signal on the existing cell towers and this signal may be available for us to use.

We have no idea how valid this rumor is but we’ll be doing more investigating to see what we can find out so stay tuned for any updates.  I sure don’t want to miss out on the opportunity of getting a 4G connection on my G1 and Nexus.

UPDATE: We may have some more valid confirmation of this rumor from our good SuperD friend, BenBuchacher.  Check out his comments here.

If you’ve heard anything, please leave us a comment.

Another day, another online app store for Android. AppBrain, however does things a bit differently.  In addition to providing search and browse functionality, users of Android phones can download the apps they choose by simply clicking an install button on the site. Appbrain then stores the application in an application wish list and then a companion android app lets the user efficiently make all the desired changes on the phone, including removal of applications. for now AppBrain only lists applications available in the US for Android version 1.6 and up. However the guys behind AppBrain are working on extending to more countries.

AppBrain makes it very easy to create an account, using your Google login data. After that, they give you a QR code to download the AppBrain Sync app, and before you know it, you’ve got your apps on your computer. In addition to app management, AppBrain gives you basic stats like how many apps you have (I had more than I thought), what percentage is free/paid, and how much you’ve spent on paid apps, as well as the ability to easily share your apps by displaying your profile, you can see mine here.  If you prefer not to share this information, the privacy feature allows only you to hide your apps from the world.

Overall, AppBrain is a useful and handy program to manage your applications; the only issue I found in a short test is that application installs are clunky.  App links are merely added on your device sync manager, you still have to manually click through to the Android Market and accept permission requirements.  Removals are seamless. AppBrain can be found here.

[Source Androinica, AppBrain]

Another new Acer ROM has been added to the AndroidSPIN family . Acer Liquid Community ROM v1.1.1 developed by Maxisma, AngioNicholai, benham.fakhimi and malez2000.

From 1.1 to 1.1.1
Only slight changes..

- Exchange Calendar Sync
- Added Talkback, Kickback and Soundback
- Fixed T-Mobile US APN (Thanks to eVil)
- Fixed build number
- Nexus themed Launcher.apk

######## OLD Versions ##########
From 1.0 to 1.1
- Zipalign on-install, Thanks to Wes Gerner for that script
- SpareParts (added)
- Launcher2 replaced with Standard Android Launcher for more speed (Live Wallpapers are still working !!), update.zip provided for those who want it back look in downloads section – Thanks to DocRambone@xda for launcher
- Apps2SD with on/off feature (disabled by default) (You need an ext2 partition of course), read Wiki for guide howto activate – Thanks to LoxdevK, Cyanogen and more for that script

From ACR to 1.0
-Kept Acer’s Contacts.apk as it provides an HTC like speed dialer and some other functions
-Nexus One bootlogo (Thanks to g4rb4g3) & bootanimation
-Removed the automatic wipe, if you have problems, please wipe first and retry!
-Zipalign on boot
-Increased VM Heapsize for speed
-Zipaligned and Optipng’ed all the apk’s aka optimized them for speed

AddOns: HTC Touch Input & Sense Themed & Functions Launcher2 (In Downloads)

Head over to Maxisma’s AndroidSPIN Developer Homepage for more information and downloads.

Click here to see all the releases for the Acer Liquid A1

The HTC Desire is one of the most beautiful Android powered handsets, a phone to be called the sibling of the Nexus. Unfortunately, the handset is not officially announced by any US Carriers as of yet, but the fellows in the UK get their hands on it in April via Vodafone.

The Desire that everyone has seen so far came in a sleek black. Now a fellow by the name of Robert Webbe has uploaded pics and a video on Flickr of a silver and “urban” brown model. Of course with this announcement comes good news, the Silver model is now available for pre-order on PDAshop.nl for €449($618), and is expected to arrive on April 9th. Silver suits the Desire well, but sort of reminds me of the upcoming HTC Legend.

Quoted from HTC, it was said “The HTC Desire is accepted by almost every key carrier in every key country”. In the U.S., AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint are the key carriers. It was also rumored that T-Mobile is training their employees on HTC Desire handsets for an upcoming release. We are awaiting the International CTIA show, with hopes that maybe HTC will announce the Desire for any US carrier.

Have a look at the video below:

Source: AndroidandMe